A Hypertension Patient Shouldn’t Drink Alcohol at All? A Warning: Especially for Those Over 50–3 Harmful Effects You Should Know

Uncle Zhang, over 50 years old, had generally been in good health, but recently he had been feeling dizzy and fatigued. After a check-up, his blood pressure was found to be skyrocketing, and he was diagnosed with hypertension. The doctor advised Uncle Zhang to adjust his lifestyle, one of the key suggestions being to quit drinking alcohol.

“Not a drop of alcohol? Doctor, isn’t that a bit of an exaggeration?” Uncle Zhang asked in confusion.This is a common question for many middle-aged and older people, especially those who enjoy a small drink now and then. In everyday life, many people believe that alcohol can help improve blood circulation and that a little is harmless. But is this really the case? Through his subsequent experience, Uncle Zhang began to realize that the relationship between alcohol and hypertension was far more complex than he had imagined.

Scene 1: Blood Pressure Suddenly Spikes at a Friends’ Gathering

The story takes place one weekend afternoon when Uncle Zhang attended a gathering with old friends. As the drinks were being passed around, his friends eagerly urged him to join in. Thinking that having a little drink wouldn’t be a big deal, he picked up his glass and drank with them.

However, towards the end of the gathering, Uncle Zhang suddenly felt dizzy, his heart racing. His friends quickly rushed him to the hospital. The emergency doctor found that his blood pressure had increased significantly compared to usual.

“Uncle Zhang, you need to be careful. For hypertension patients, it’s best to avoid alcohol completely. Alcohol can cause blood vessels to dilate, and while this might make you feel better temporarily, they will quickly constrict again, leading to blood pressure fluctuations and even a spike,” the doctor said seriously.

It was at this moment that Uncle Zhang realized that alcohol’s impact on blood pressure was far more serious than he had initially thought.

Scene 2: Abnormal Liver Function — The Body Signals a Red Light

A few months later, Uncle Zhang went back to the hospital for a routine check-up. The doctor informed him that, in addition to his blood pressure issues, his liver function tests had shown abnormal results.

“Does this have anything to do with my hypertension?” Uncle Zhang asked in confusion.

The doctor nodded and patiently explained: “Alcohol not only affects blood pressure, but it can also damage the liver, especially in people who drink regularly. The liver is the main organ responsible for metabolizing alcohol, but excessive drinking can lead to fatty liver and even cirrhosis. Liver damage can further affect blood pressure control, making it more difficult to manage.”

Uncle Zhang couldn’t help but recall his younger years when he was constantly drinking with friends. Back then, he felt invincible, but now, not only was his blood pressure high, but his liver was also starting to “protest.”

Scene 3: The Hidden Danger of Cardiovascular Disease

Another time, Uncle Zhang’s neighbor, Old Li, unfortunately passed away from a heart attack. Uncle Zhang was deeply saddened and couldn’t help but ask his doctor: “I know Old Li had a history of heart disease, but he also liked to drink. Doctor, is there a connection between alcohol and heart disease?”

The doctor answered gravely: “For hypertension patients, drinking alcohol increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Alcohol not only makes it harder to control blood pressure, but it can also cause heart muscle damage and increase the burden on the heart. People who drink regularly, especially those over 50 like you, are at a much higher risk for heart disease, heart failure, and other serious conditions.”

At that moment, Uncle Zhang finally understood, and he made the firm decision to quit drinking completely.

Doctor’s Advice: 3 Harmful Effects of Alcohol for Hypertension Patients Over 50

The doctor summarized: “For hypertension patients, especially those over 50, the dangers of drinking alcohol go beyond just raising blood pressure. Here are the 3 main harmful effects you should be aware of:

Blood Pressure Fluctuations: Alcohol causes blood vessels to first dilate and then constrict, leading to sharp fluctuations in blood pressure, which increases the risk of stroke and heart disease.

Liver Damage: Alcohol harms liver function, increases metabolic burden, and affects the stability of blood pressure control.

Increased Risk of Cardiovascular Diseases: Long-term drinking can damage the heart, leading to a higher incidence of heart attacks, heart failure, and other cardiovascular diseases.

Therefore, hypertension patients should avoid alcohol entirely — not just for controlling blood pressure, but also to protect overall health.”

Uncle Zhang’s Decision

After this, Uncle Zhang stopped attending gatherings where people encouraged him to drink. Instead, he started meeting friends for tea and chatting. Over time, his blood pressure stabilized, and he felt much more relaxed. Occasionally, when his friends joked, “Uncle Zhang, now you’re the healthiest one among us!” he would always smile and reply, “Not a drop of alcohol, that’s the doctor’s advice, and I must listen!”

This story, through Uncle Zhang’s personal experience, reminds us that for hypertension patients, especially those over 50, drinking alcohol not only affects blood pressure but can also lead to other health risks. Managing blood pressure starts with quitting alcohol!

This article emphasizes the importance of lifestyle adjustments, especially avoiding alcohol, for older individuals with high blood pressure.